Release liner removal apparatus

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a release liner removal apparatus, comprising at least one release liner removal device for removing at least one release liner from at least one adhesive piece arranged on a material web, at least one support body which supports the at least one release liner removal device, and at least one guide body which is arranged adjacent to the at least one release liner removal device at least during the removal of the at least one release liner and which serves for guiding the material web.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of German Patent Application,Serial No. DE 10 2019 201 592.1, filed Feb. 7, 2019, as well as thepriority of German Patent Application, Serial No. DE 10 2019 203 744.5,filed Mar. 19, 2019, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d), the content ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fullyset forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to a release liner removal apparatus. Theinvention furthermore relates to a material web working/processingarrangement, in particular material web dispensing arrangement, inparticular material web unrolling arrangement, in particular materialweb splicing arrangement, having at least one such release liner removalapparatus and preferably at least one material web drawing-in apparatus.

The invention also relates to a plant having at least one material webworking/processing arrangement, in particular material web dispensingarrangement, in particular material web unrolling arrangement, inparticular material web splicing arrangement.

The invention is furthermore directed to a method for removing at leastone release liner. The invention is furthermore directed to an adhesivepiece.

The invention is furthermore directed to a material webworking/processing arrangement having a material webconnecting/preparation unit. The invention furthermore relates to afurther plant.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

From the prior art, it is known from prior public use for material websto be introduced into working/processing arrangements. This is generallyperformed manually or by hand. Furthermore, the prior art discusses theremoval, manually or by hand, of release liners of adhesive pieces whichare adhesive on both sides and which are attached to material webs inorder to connect these to one another. This is often associated with notinconsiderable expenditure of time, and is often performed withoutparticular care.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is therefore based on an object of eliminating theproblems of the prior art. The invention is based on the object ofproviding a release liner removal apparatus which is capable ofoperating in a particularly functionally reliable and efficient manner.It is furthermore sought to provide a corresponding material webworking/processing arrangement, in particular material web dispensingarrangement, in particular material web unrolling arrangement, inparticular material web splicing arrangement, having at least one suchrelease liner removal device.

It is furthermore sought to create a corresponding plant having at leastone material web working/processing arrangement, in particular materialweb dispensing arrangement, in particular material web unrollingarrangement, in particular material web splicing arrangement.

It is furthermore sought to provide a corresponding method for removingat least one release liner. It is furthermore sought to provide acorresponding adhesive piece.

It is furthermore sought to create a material web working/processingarrangement and a plant, which are particularly efficient.

Said object is achieved according to the invention by a release linerremoval apparatus, comprising at least one release liner removal devicefor removing at least one release liner from at least one adhesive piecearranged on a material web, at least one support body which supports theat least one release liner removal device, and at least one guide bodywhich is arranged adjacent to the at least one release liner removaldevice at least during the removal of the at least one release liner andwhich serves for guiding the material web.

Said object is further achieved by a material web working/processingarrangement, in particular material web dispensing arrangement, inparticular material web unrolling arrangement, in particular materialweb splicing arrangement, having at least one release liner removalapparatus according to the invention.

Said object is further achieved by a plant having at least one materialweb working/processing arrangement, in particular material webdispensing arrangement, in particular material web unrollingarrangement, in particular material web splicing arrangement, and havingat least one material roll preparation arrangement for preparing amaterial roll carrying the material web to be drawn in.

Said object is further achieved by a method for removing at least onerelease liner, comprising removing at least one release liner from atleast one adhesive piece arranged on a material web by means of at leastone release liner removal device which is supported by at least onesupport body, and guiding the material web by means of at least oneguide body which is arranged adjacent to the at least one release linerremoval device at least during the removal of the at least one releaseliner.

Said object is further achieved by an adhesive piece for adhesiveconnection of material webs, having an adhesive compound carrier whichbears adhesive compound on two opposite sides, and having at least onerelease liner which originally covers, at least in regions, the adhesivecompound carrier and also the adhesive compound present there, protrudesat least in regions beyond the adhesive compound carrier, and isremovable by the release liner removal apparatus according to theinvention.

Said object is further achieved by a material web working/processingarrangement, in particular material web dispensing arrangement, inparticular material web unrolling arrangement, in particular materialweb splicing arrangement, wherein said material web working/processingarrangement is designed such that a connection between one finitematerial web and a further finite material web so as to form acontinuous material web is preparable in automated fashion owing to adefined initial situation of the material web to be drawn in or of anend thereof.

Said object is further achieved by a plant having at least one materialroll preparation arrangement for bringing a material roll carrying amaterial web to be drawn in into a defined initial situation, and havingat least one material web working/processing arrangement, in particularmaterial web dispensing arrangement, in particular material webunrolling arrangement, in particular material web splicing arrangement,which material web working/processing arrangement is capable, owing tothe defined initial situation of the material roll, of receiving thematerial roll in automated fashion and preferably receiving the materialweb in automated fashion and/or preparing the material web in automatedfashion.

The essence of the invention lies in simplifying the handling ofmaterial webs or material rolls for working/processing.

The release liner removal apparatus is in particular capable ofremoving, preferably in automated fashion, the at least one releaseliner of the at least one adhesive (strip) piece, which is in particularadhesive on both sides. The at least one release liner is thenpreferably disposed of. The at least one release liner preferablyoriginally covers an adhesive compound carrier which bears adhesivecompound preferably on both sides.

The release liner expediently protrudes laterally in relation to theadhesive compound carrier in a longitudinal direction and/or transversedirection at least in regions, and is thus particularly easily removablefrom the adhesive compound carrier.

The material web splicing arrangement expediently comprises a connectingapparatus for connecting a finite first material web and a finite secondmaterial web to one another to form an endless material web. Theconnecting apparatus preferably comprises a guide and a firstpreparation device with a first transport drum and a second preparationdevice with a second transport drum. It is advantageous if theconnecting apparatus furthermore comprises a first connecting device forconnecting the finite material webs to form the endless material web anda second connecting device for connecting the finite material webs toform the endless material web. The connecting apparatus furthermorepreferably has a displaceable table device for interaction with thepreparation devices and the connecting devices.

The at least one material roll preparation arrangement is in particularcapable of preparing the material roll for the furtherworking/processing. The preparation of the material roll comprises forexample an unpacking or exposing thereof, removal and/or destruction ofat least one fixing which fixes a free material web portion for thepurposes of preventing an unwinding from the material roll, removal ofat least one strapping element, removal of a damaged material webportion from the material roll, generation of a defined end contour oredge for the further processing on the material web, application of atleast one adhesive piece to the material web, fixing of an end-sidematerial web portion to the material roll and/or orientation of thematerial roll and/or of the material web.

The material web working/processing arrangement and the at least onematerial roll preparation arrangement may be arranged adjacent to orspaced apart from one another. The at least one material rollpreparation arrangement is preferably arranged externally in relation tothe material web working/processing arrangement.

The material web working/processing arrangement is for example capableof preparing or effecting an, in particular adhesive, connection betweenthe finite material webs in automated or autonomous fashion, inparticular fully automated fashion. The preparation of the connectioncomprises for example a drawing-in of the material web, suitablepositioning of the material web, an application of at least one adhesivepiece to the material web and/or a removal of at least one release linerfrom the at least one adhesive piece. The, in particular exactly,defined initial situation of the material web to be drawn in or of theend thereof or of the material roll carrying said material web is forexample achievable by means of a, for example external, material rollpreparation arrangement.

The material web working/processing arrangement is in particular capableof receiving the material web in automated or autonomous fashion, inparticular fully automated fashion. Said material web working/processingarrangement is in particular capable of drawing in the material web inautomated or autonomous fashion, in particular fully automated fashion,and/or preparing said material web for the further working/processing,such as for a connection to a further material web to form an endlessmaterial web, in automated or autonomous fashion, in particular fullyautomated fashion.

The statements made relating to the release liner removal apparatus,comprising at least one release liner removal device for removing atleast one release liner from at least one adhesive piece arranged on amaterial web, at least one support body which supports the at least onerelease liner removal device, and at least one guide body which isarranged adjacent to the at least one release liner removal device atleast during the removal of the at least one release liner and whichserves for guiding the material web apply substantially analogously tothe method for removing at least one release liner, comprising removingat least one release liner from at least one adhesive piece arranged ona material web by means of at least one release liner removal devicewhich is supported by at least one support body, and guiding thematerial web by means of at least one guide body which is arrangedadjacent to the at least one release liner removal device at leastduring the removal of the at least one release liner.

The material web working/processing arrangement is for example capableof drawing in a material web in automated or autonomous fashion, inparticular fully automated fashion. The, in particular exactly, definedinitial situation of the material web to be drawn in or of the end/startthereof or of the material roll carrying said material web is forexample achievable by means of a, for example external, material rollpreparation arrangement. The above statements relating to this alsoapply here.

The material web for working or processing can be drawn into thematerial web working/processing arrangement, in particular material webdispensing arrangement, in particular material web unrollingarrangement, in particular material web splicing arrangement, by meansof the at least one material web drawing-in apparatus, which isparticularly efficient. The material web splicing arrangement isexpediently capable of connecting a finite material web which is nearingits end to a new finite material web, so as to form an endless materialweb. The material web drawing-in apparatus preferably facilitates thethreading-in or introduction of the material web into the material webworking/processing arrangement. Said material web drawing-in apparatusis of assistance for example during the setting in operation of thematerial web working/processing arrangement.

The at least one material roll preparation arrangement is preferablycapable of bringing the material roll carrying the material web to bedrawn in, and thus preferably also the comprised material web, inparticular the free end thereof, into a defined initial situation ororiented position.

A defined initial situation of the material web or material roll is tobe understood here in particular to mean a situation or position of thematerial web or material roll which is known to the material webworking/processing arrangement and which expediently enables the latterto receive the material roll or the material web in automated orautonomous fashion, in particular fully automated fashion, or makes itpossible for the material web to be introduced in automated orautonomous fashion, in particular fully automated fashion. In thedefined initial situation, in the case of a material roll which is thenreceived, it is for example the case that an end/start of the materialweb is oriented relative to the material web working/processingarrangement such that said end/start can be discovered by the materialweb working/processing arrangement. In the defined initial situation,the material roll, in particular in its circumferential direction aboutits central or longitudinal axis, is oriented in relation to thematerial web working/processing arrangement.

The at least one release liner removal device and the at least one guidebody are displaceable, in particular slidable and/or pivotable, relativeto one another between a mutually adjacent release liner removalposition, for the removing the at least one release liner from the atleast one adhesive piece, and an inactive rest position.

The at least one release liner removal device being designed as anegative-pressure body, in particular negative-pressure drum, ispreferably displaceable, in particular slidable and/or pivotable. It ispreferably connected in terms of flow to a negative-pressure source,such as vacuum pump.

The at least one guide body being designed as a negative-pressure body,in particular negative-pressure drum is preferably displaceable, inparticular slidable and/or pivotable. It is preferably connected interms of flow to a negative-pressure source, such as vacuum pump.

A material web drawing-in apparatus for drawing in a material webpreferably comprises

-   -   a) at least one material web holding device for holding the        material web to be drawn in,    -   b) at least one guide for guiding the at least one material web        holding device from at least one material web drawing-in point        to at least one material web transfer point, and    -   c) at least one drawing-in drive which is connected to the at        least one material web holding device and which serves for        displacing the at least one material web holding device along        the at least one guide while drawing in the material web to be        drawn in in the direction of the at least one material web        transfer point.

The material web drawing-in apparatus is capable of drawing in amaterial web, in particular in a guided manner Here, the at least onedrawing-in drive exerts a corresponding force, in particular tensionforce, in particular on the material web. It is expedient if thematerial web to be drawn in is transported or conveyed in a drawing-indirection during the drawing-in process. The drawing-in direction ispreferably oriented in a longitudinal direction of the material web tobe drawn in.

It is expedient if the material web is composed of cardboard, paper orthe like. The material web is expediently finite. It is preferably insingle-layer form.

The at least one material web holding device is in particular capable ofholding the material web securely, for example by positive locking,non-positive locking and/or cohesion, during the drawing-in process.Said material web holding device preferably extends over the entirewidth of the material web to be drawn in and/or perpendicular to thetransport direction or drawing-in direction thereof.

The at least one guide expediently comprises guide devices, which inturn are formed by guide elements which are arranged in pairs and whichare situated opposite one another and which are in particular arrangedor configured symmetrically. The guide elements arranged adjacent to oneanother are for example integrally connected to one another at least inregions, or formed separately. It is expedient if each guide device oreach guide element is rigid. The at least one guide runs preferablylaterally adjacent to the material web to be drawn in, or adjacentthereto in the transverse direction of the material web to be drawn in.The at least one guide runs in particular adjacent to the material webto be drawn in laterally on the outside, or adjacent thereto laterallyon the outside in the transverse direction of the material web to bedrawn in. Said at least one guide serves for directly or indirectlyguiding the material web to be drawn in.

It is expedient if the at least one guide has at least one switch whichin particular permits a change between guide paths for the material webto be drawn in and the at least one material web holding device. The atleast one material web holding device is thus positionable in aparticularly functionally reliable manner at a corresponding point, suchas material web drawing-in point.

The at least one drawing-in drive is preferably a hydraulic, electric orpneumatic drive. It is preferably designed as a linear drive or rotarydrive. It is advantageous if the at least one drawing-in drive isdirectly or indirectly connected to the at least one material webholding device at least during a material web drawing-in process.

The at least one material web holding device and the at least onedrawing-in drive may be directly or indirectly connected to one another(in terms of drive).

The material web drawing-in apparatus preferably comprises at least onecoupling element which is arranged between the at least one drawing-indrive and the at least one material web holding device. The at least onecoupling element is preferably of elongate form. It is expedient if theat least one coupling element is capable of transmitting a force, inparticular tensile force, and movement to the material web to be drawnin. It is advantageous if the at least one coupling element isdeflectable perpendicularly with respect to its longitudinal extent. Theat least one coupling element is preferably designed as a chain, cable,wire, strip, belt or the like.

It is expedient if the at least one drawing-in drive is directly orindirectly connected in terms of drive to the at least one couplingelement. The at least one drawing-in drive is connected in terms ofdrive to the at least one coupling element preferably by means of atleast one driveable, in particular rotationally driveable, driveelement, such as drive wheel. If the at least one coupling element isdesigned as a chain, the at least one drawing-in drive is expedientlyconnected in terms of drive to the at least one chain by means of atleast one drive toothed wheel. The at least one drive toothed wheel ispreferably then in engagement with the at least one chain. It isexpedient if, along the at least one guide, multiple drive elements ordrawing-in drives are connected in terms of drive to the at least onecoupling element.

It is advantageous if the at least one material web holding device iscapable of receiving the material web to be drawn in in automatedfashion. The at least one material web holding device is particularlyefficient. It in particular requires no operator, and operates in inparticular fully automated or autonomous fashion.

The material web drawing-in apparatus preferably has at least oneactivation apparatus for activating the at least one material webholding device. The at least one activation device is capable ofactivating the at least one material web holding device and bringing itinto a material web holding position. The at least one activation deviceis thus capable of triggering the holding of the material web to bedrawn in at the at least one material web holding device. It isexpedient if, for this purpose, the at least one activation device andthe at least one material web holding device have a connection to oneanother, such as a drive connection or signal connection.

The material web to be drawn in, preferably a material roll carryingsaid material web, and the at least one material web holding device areexpediently displaceable relative to one another for the purposes ofreceiving the material web to be drawn in. Said embodiment permits anorientation of the material web to be drawn in and of the at least onematerial web holding device with respect to one another. For example,the material web to be drawn in is, in particular by displacement of thematerial roll carrying said material web, displaceable for the receivingof the material web to be drawn in. It is expedient if the material webdrawing-in apparatus is capable of displacing, or at least triggering adisplacement of, the material web to be drawn in or the material rollcarrying said material web. It is expedient here if a receiving partthat receives the material roll is rotated or pivoted. Alternatively,the material web drawing-in apparatus is capable of displacing the atleast one material web holding device for the receiving of the materialweb to be drawn in. It is expedient if the at least one material webholding device and the material web to be drawn in, or the end thereof,are oriented, during the receiving of the material web to be drawn in,such that the at least one material web holding device is capable ofsecurely holding the material web to be drawn in at the end or edge.

The material web drawing-in apparatus preferably comprises at least onematerial web detection element for detecting an end of the material webto be drawn in. The at least one material web detection element is inparticular capable of detecting an end (transverse) edge or a free endportion of the material web to be drawn in. Said material web detectionelement preferably operates in contactless fashion and is designed as asensor, camera or the like. Alternatively, the at least one material webdetection element comprises at least one contact means or probe means.

It is expedient if the at least one material web holding device isdesigned as a material web clamping device for holding the material webto be drawn in with clamping action. The material web clamping device isparticularly functionally reliable. The material web to be drawn inremains undamaged. The material web clamping device is capable ofexerting a clamping force on the material web to be drawn in during use.

The material web clamping device preferably has at least one clampingbody which is displaceable between a clamping position, for holding thematerial web to be drawn in with clamping action, and an inactive restposition. The at least one clamping body is preferably pivotably mountedand rigid. In the clamping position, said clamping body preferably lieswith clamping or frictionally locking action on the material web to bedrawn in. In its inactive rest position, the at least one clamping bodyis expediently arranged spaced apart from the material web to be drawnin. The at least one clamping body is preferably designed as a web,plate, pin, tooth, drum or the like. Preferably, said at least oneclamping body extends, preferably without interruption, over the entirewidth of the material web to be drawn in.

The material web clamping device expediently has at least one holdingbody for holding the material web to be drawn in. The at least oneholding body is preferably rigid. It is preferably designed as a web,plate or the like. It preferably extends, preferably withoutinterruption, over the entire width of the material web to be drawn in.

It is advantageous if the at least one clamping body and the at leastone holding body are arranged adjacent to one another, and, in theclamping position, jointly form at least one clamping gap for holdingthe material web to be drawn in with clamping action. The at least oneholding body preferably forms a (clamping) counterpart body for the atleast one clamping body. In the clamping gap, the at least one clampingbody and the at least one holding body exert a clamping force on thematerial web to be drawn in. The at least one clamping body and the atleast one holding body are in this case preferably arranged opposite oneanother.

The at least one material web holding device is preferably designed as amaterial web suctioning device for holding the material web to be drawnin by suction action.

The material web suctioning device preferably has at least onesuctioning body which is connected in terms of flow to at least onesuction source and which serves for holding the material web to be drawnin. The at least one suction source is preferably designed as a vacuumpump. The flow connection between the at least one suction source andthe at least one suctioning body is preferably formed by a flow line.

The at least one guide preferably has at least one first guide device tobe drawn in the material web to be drawn in from a first material webdrawing-in point, in particular in the case of the material web to bedrawn in being unrolled from a material roll in a first unrollingdirection, and at least one second guide device to be drawn in thematerial web to be drawn in from a second material web drawing-in pointwhich is spaced apart from the first material web drawing-in point, inparticular in the case of the material web to be drawn in being unrolledfrom the material roll in a second unrolling direction which is oppositeto the first unrolling direction. The at least one first and secondguide device are preferably arranged in a substantially V-shaped,U-shaped or Y-shaped manner. In particular, in this way, the materialweb to be drawn in can be received independently of its direction ofunwinding from a material roll.

The at least one guide is preferably designed as a slotted guide. Saidmaterial web drawing-in apparatus is particularly functionally reliable.

The material web drawing-in apparatus is preferably capable of drawingin the material web to be drawn in in automated fashion. Said materialweb drawing-in apparatus is capable of drawing in the material web in,in particular fully, automated or autonomous fashion, which is highlyefficient. An operator is not required for this purpose.

It is expedient if the material web working/processing arrangement, inparticular material web dispensing arrangement, in particular materialweb unrolling arrangement, in particular material web splicingarrangement, has at least one material web drawing-in apparatus.

The at least one guide preferably forms a material web entrance for thematerial web working/processing arrangement. The at least one guidemakes it possible, for example, for the material web to be drawn in tobe introduced or threaded in from the outside into the material webworking/processing arrangement in a particularly functionally reliableand efficient manner.

It is advantageous if the at least one guide runs in the material webworking/processing arrangement in the direction of an exit of thematerial web working/processing arrangement. The at least one guidemakes it possible, for example, for the material web to be drawn in tobe guided in a particularly functionally reliable and efficient mannerinto the interior of the material web working/processing arrangement, inparticular to a working/processing device or apparatus thereof.

The at least one guide preferably runs, for the purposes of preparing amaterial web to be worked/processed, at least between the at least onematerial web drawing-in point and a preparation device. The material webis guidable to a preparation device of the material webworking/processing arrangement, which preparation device is preferablycapable of receiving the material web for further processing.

In the event of a new introduction of a material web into the materialweb working/processing arrangement, the at least one guide for guidingsaid material web preferably runs substantially without interruptionfrom an entrance to an exit of the material web working/processingarrangement. Said embodiment permits, for example, a particularlyfunctionally reliable and efficient introduction of the material web tobe drawn in into an adjacent, downstream arrangement, or a newintroduction of a material web to be drawn in. It is expedient if the atleast one guide is only intermittently closed, or capable of beingpassed through, in a manner dependent on a respective position of atleast one working/processing device or apparatus.

The at least one guide preferably comprises at least one straight,substantially straight and/or curved guide device. The curved guidedevice is formed for example as an arc, in particularcircular-segment-shaped arc, such as quadrant-shaped arc or semicirculararc.

It is advantageous if the material web working/processing arrangementhas a first connecting device and second connecting device forconnecting an end of a finite material web to a start of a furtherfinite material web, wherein the at least one guide runs between thefirst connecting device and second connecting device.

The at least one guide preferably comprises at least one straight,substantially straight and/or curved guide device.

The at least one guide preferably comprises at least one guide devicewhich is arranged in a spatially fixed manner in relation to thematerial web working/processing arrangement. Said embodiment isparticularly simple and functionally reliable.

Preferably, the at least one guide comprises at least one displaceable,in particular slidable, guide device. The at least one displaceableguide device is preferably arranged on a displaceable working/processingdevice or apparatus of the material web working/processing arrangement,which permits, for example, disruption-free operation.

It is advantageous if a material roll carrying the material web to bedrawn in can be received in automated fashion. Said material webworking/processing arrangement is particularly efficient. In particular,the material roll can be received in fully automated or autonomousfashion.

The at least one material roll preparation arrangement preferably has atleast one material roll circumferential direction orientation apparatusfor orienting the material roll in a circumferential direction thereof,in particular into a defined initial situation. The at least onematerial roll circumferential direction orientation apparatus ispreferably capable of pivoting the material roll in its circumferentialdirection about its longitudinal or central axis. It is expedient if theat least one material roll circumferential direction orientationapparatus orients the material roll such that, for example, the outerfree end thereof and/or at least one adhesive piece arranged thereon issituated in a predetermined or defined, in particular discoverableposition.

The at least one material web working/processing arrangement preferablyreceives the material roll in a position oriented by means of the atleast one material roll circumferential direction orientation apparatus,in particular for a defined initial situation.

It is expedient if the at least one material web working/processingarrangement is capable of receiving the material roll in automatedfashion.

Said material web working/processing arrangement is capable of receivingthe material roll in, in particular fully, automated or autonomousfashion. This takes place in particular functionally reliably inparticular if the material web working/processing arrangement receivesthe material roll in its oriented position. The material webworking/processing arrangement then knows, for example, exactly wherethe outer free end of the material web to be drawn in, and/or at leastone adhesive piece arranged thereon, is situated. The at least onematerial roll preparation arrangement preferably applies at least oneadhesive piece to the material web to be drawn in for the purposes ofadhesive connection to another material web.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will be described by way ofexample below with reference to the appended drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 shows a section through a plant according to the invention with amaterial roll preparation arrangement, which is illustrated in highlysimplified form and not to scale, and with a material web splicingarrangement according to the invention, one material roll of which is inan unrolling state and the new material roll of which is in a preparedstate,

FIG. 2 shows a view corresponding to FIG. 1 of the material web splicingarrangement, one negative-pressure drum of which is, for the preparationof the new material web, arranged adjacent to an adhesive piece on thenew material web for the purposes of removing the release liner of saidadhesive piece,

FIGS. 3, 4 show enlarged partial views III, IV of FIG. 2 , whichillustrate the removal of the release liner,

FIG. 5 shows a view corresponding to FIG. 2 of the material web splicingarrangement, in the case of which a connecting device and preparationdevice and table device are arranged adjacent to one another for thepurposes of connecting the new and original material webs,

FIGS. 6, 7 show enlarged partial views of FIG. 5 , which illustrate acutting-off of the original material web and the production of thespliced connection between the new and original material webs,

FIG. 8 shows a view corresponding to FIG. 2 , in the case of which, bycontrast to FIG. 1 , the other material roll is now in an unrollingstate,

FIG. 9 shows a view corresponding to FIG. 2 , in the case of which, bycontrast to FIG. 3 , the other connecting device and the otherpreparation device and the table device are arranged adjacent to oneanother for the purposes of connecting the material webs,

FIG. 10 shows an enlarged partial view IX of FIG. 9 ,

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a material roll arranged in theillustrated material web splicing arrangement, together withentrance-side guide devices of the guide,

FIG. 12 shows a cross section through the arrangement shown in FIG. 11 ,

FIG. 13 shows the detail XIII indicated in FIG. 12 on an enlarged scale,wherein the clamping body of the material web clamping device is in aninactive rest position,

FIG. 14 shows a view corresponding to FIG. 13 , wherein the clampingbody is now situated in a clamping position and is clamping the materialweb to be drawn in,

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a material roll arranged in thematerial web splicing arrangement, together with entrance-side guidedevices according to a second embodiment,

FIG. 16 shows a partial side view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 15 ,

FIG. 17 shows the detail indicated in FIG. 16 on an enlarged scale,wherein the material web suctioning device is inactive, and

FIG. 18 shows a view corresponding to FIG. 17 , wherein the material websuctioning device is active.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring firstly to FIG. 1 , a corrugated cardboard plant (notillustrated in its entirety) comprises multiple material web splicingarrangements 1 and at least one material roll preparation arrangement 2positioned upstream thereof. The material web splicing arrangements 1are preferably of identical design. They are arranged spaced apart fromthe material roll preparation arrangement 2.

The material roll preparation arrangement 2 comprises a receivingapparatus for receiving a material roll for preparation, which has awound-up material web. Said material roll preparation arrangementfurthermore has at least one, preferably multiple, material rollpreparation device(s) for the preparation of the received material rollfor the further working/processing.

The receiving apparatus has a rotary device for rotationally driving orpivoting the received material roll about the central axis thereof or ina circumferential direction thereof. The material roll preparationarrangement 2 preferably has a detection device for detecting a freeouter end of the wound-up material web and/or at least one splicingpiece arranged on the material web.

Each material web splicing arrangement 1 is provided with preparedmaterial rolls in an oriented or defined position which constitutes astarting point for the handling by means of the material web splicingarrangement 1. For example, for this purpose, preferably automatedtransport carriages are used which move the prepared material rolls tothe respective material roll splicing arrangement 1.

Each material web splicing arrangement 1 serves for the provision of anendless material web 3, from which, for example, a corrugated web orsmooth web as a constituent part of a corrugated cardboard web laminatedon one side is produced.

Since the material web splicing arrangements 1 are identical, only thatillustrated in the figures will be described below. The constructionthereof will firstly be discussed.

The material web splicing arrangement 1 illustrated in the figurescomprises a first unrolling apparatus 6 for unrolling a finite firstmaterial web 4 from a first material roll 5 and comprises a secondunrolling apparatus 9 for unrolling a finite second material web 7 froma second material roll 8. The finite first material web 4 and the finitesecond material web 7 are fixedly connected to one another by means ofthe material web splicing arrangement 1 in order to provide the endlessmaterial web 3.

The material web splicing arrangement 1 has a base frame 10 with a baseframe pedestal 11, a base frame stand 12 and a base frame carrier 13.The base frame pedestal 11 is fastened to a floor or underlying surface(not illustrated). The base frame stand 12 is attached to the top of thebase frame pedestal 11. The base frame stand 12 extends vertically orperpendicularly with respect to the base. The base frame carrier 13 isarranged at an end region of the base frame stand 12 situated oppositethe base frame pedestal 11 and runs parallel or horizontally withrespect to the floor.

The first unrolling apparatus 6 and the second unrolling apparatus 9extend from the base frame pedestal 11. The unrolling apparatuses 6, 9are mounted pivotably on the base frame pedestal 11 and are arrangedopposite one another relative to the base frame stand 12.

The first unrolling apparatus 6 has, for receiving the first materialroll 5, a first receiving part (not illustrated) which is guided into acentral opening of the first material roll 5 and which, between twofirst holding arms 14, running parallel to one another, of the firstunrolling apparatus 6, is mounted about a horizontal first rotary axle.

The second unrolling apparatus 9 is designed correspondingly to thefirst unrolling apparatus 6. Said second unrolling apparatus has, forreceiving the second material roll 8, a second receiving part (notillustrated) which is guided into a central opening of the secondmaterial roll 8 and which, between two second holding arms 15, runningparallel to one another, of the second unrolling apparatus 9, is mountedabout a horizontal second rotary axle. The rotary axles of the receivingparts run parallel to one another.

The finite first material web 4 is, as per FIG. 1 , fed via a first feeddrum 16 to a cutting and connecting apparatus 17 of the material websplicing arrangement 1, whereas the finite second material web 7 is, asper FIG. 1 , guided via a second feed drum 18 into the material websplicing arrangement 1 for the preparation of a splicing process. Eachfeed drum 16, 18 is mounted rotatably on the base frame carrier 13. Saidfeed drums have horizontal rotary axles running parallel to one another.The feed drums 16, 18 are arranged rotatably on feed drum support armswhich are mounted pivotably on the base frame carrier 13.

The cutting and connecting apparatus 17 serves for producing the endlessmaterial web 3 from the finite material webs 4, 7. Said cutting andconnecting apparatus comprises a first preparation device 19, a secondpreparation device 20, a first connecting device 21, a second connectingdevice 22, a table device 23 and a guide 24.

The first preparation device 19 is, in FIG. 1 , presently situated abovethe first material roll 5 on the base frame carrier 13, whereas thesecond preparation device 20 is, in FIG. 1 , presently situated in theregion of the second material roll 8, above the latter, on the baseframe carrier 13.

The guide 24 is presently extending in/on the base frame carrier 13 andparallel to the floor. The table device 23 is arranged between thepreparation devices 19, 20. The preparation devices 19, 20 and the tabledevice 23 are displaceable along the guide 24 and relative to theconnecting devices 21, 22, which are arranged, spaced apart from oneanother along the guide 24, on the base frame carrier 13 above the guide24.

Furthermore, a first negative-pressure drum 25 and a secondnegative-pressure drum 26 are guided so as to be displaceable along theguide 24. The first negative-pressure drum 25 is, relative to the firstpreparation device 19, arranged oppositely in relation to the tabledevice 23 and can be placed under negative pressure. The firstpreparation device 19 is thus arranged between the firstnegative-pressure drum 25 and the table device 23. The secondnegative-pressure drum 26 is, relative to the second preparation device20, arranged oppositely in relation to the table device 23 and can beplaced under negative pressure. The second preparation device 20 is thusarranged between the second negative-pressure drum 26 and the tabledevice 23.

The preparation devices 19, 20 are of identical construction and arearranged substantially symmetrically with respect to a verticallyrunning plane of symmetry.

For the purposes of feeding the finite first material web 4, the firstpreparation device 19 has a rotatably mounted first transport or holdingdrum 27. For the purposes of holding and feeding the finite firstmaterial web 4, the first transport drum 27 of the first preparationdevice 19 is provided for example with an adhesive layer and, for thepurposes of transporting the finite first material web 4 to the first orsecond connecting device 21, 22, said first transport drum isdisplaceable along the guide 24. An embodiment of the first transportdrum 27 without an adhesive layer is alternatively possible.

For the purposes of feeding the finite second material web 7, the secondpreparation device 20 has a rotatably mounted second transport orholding drum 28. For the purposes of holding and feeding the finitesecond material web 7, the second transport drum 28 of the secondpreparation device 20 is provided for example with an adhesive layerand, for the purposes of transporting the finite second material web 7to the first or second connecting device 21, 22, said second transportdrum is displaceable along the guide 24. An embodiment of the secondtransport drum 28 without an adhesive layer is alternatively possible.

Each preparation device 19, 20 has, for the displacement thereof alongthe guide 24, a dedicated first or second displacement drive 29, 30respectively.

The connecting devices 21, 22 are of identical design and, with respectto a vertically running plane of symmetry, are arranged symmetrically onthe base frame carrier 13.

The first connecting device 21 comprises a first cutting unit 31 with anactuatable first cutting blade 32 for the cutting of the finite firstmaterial web 4 prior to the connection to the finite second material web7, and has a first pressing drum 33 for the connection of the finitematerial webs 4, 7 to form the endless material web 3. The first cuttingunit 31 of the first connecting device 21 and the first pressing drum 33are fastened, directly adjacent to the guide 24, to the base framecarrier 13 such that the transport drums 27, 28 of the preparationdevices 19, 20 and the table device 23 can be moved past the connectingdevices 21, 22 along the guide 24.

The second connecting device 22 comprises a second cutting unit 34 withan actuatable second cutting blade 35 for the cutting of the finitesecond material web 7 prior to the connection to the finite firstmaterial web 4, and has a second pressing drum 36 for the connection ofthe finite material webs 4, 7 to form the endless material web 3. Thesecond cutting unit 34 of the second connecting device 22 and the secondpressing drum 36 are fastened, directly adjacent to the guide 24, to thebase frame carrier 13 such that the transport drums 27, 28 of thepreparation devices 19, 20 and the table device 23 can be moved past theconnecting devices 21, 22 along the guide 24.

The negative-pressure drums 25, 26, the feed drums 16, 18 and thetransport drums 27, 28 and also the pressing drums 33, 36 extendparallel to one another and horizontally. They also extend parallel tothe material rolls 5, 8.

The table device 23 interacts, in a manner dependent on its position,with the first preparation device 19, the second preparation device 20,the first connecting device 21 and/or the second connecting device 22and is displaceable, in particular also independently of these, alongthe guide 24.

Situated downstream of the cutting and connecting device 17 in thetransport direction 37 of the endless material web 3 or finite firstmaterial web 4 is a threading-in assistance arrangement 38 which isarranged substantially above the second material roll 8 and above theguide 24 on the base frame carrier 13. The threading-in assistancearrangement 38 comprises a first conveying drum 39 and a secondconveying drum 40, which are identical and which are initially arrangedparallel to one another. Like the negative-pressure drums 25, 26, feeddrums 16, 18, transport drums 27, 28 and the pressing drums 33, 36, saidconveying drums extend perpendicular to the transport direction 37 ofthe endless material web 3 or of the finite material web 4, 7. Theconveying drums 39, 40 are arranged in the base frame carrier 13 and,together, form a conveying gap through which the endless material web 3or the finite first material web 4 runs.

The threading-in assistance arrangement 38 furthermore comprises twoconveying drum drives which are connected in terms of drive to aconveying drum 39 or 40 respectively. The conveying drums 39, 40 arecoupled to one another by means of a transmission and can be driven inrotation in opposite directions. The threading-in assistance arrangement38 is capable of assisting introduction of the finite first or secondmaterial web 4, 7 into the material web splicing arrangement 1. In thecase of such a threading-in process, the conveying drums 39, 40 aredriven in rotation for the corresponding threading-in of the respectivefinite material web 4, 7.

Arranged downstream of the threading-in assistance arrangement 38 inrelation to the transport direction 37 is a first diverting drum 41,which is mounted rotatably on a store carriage 42 and which is assignedto the endless material web 3 or finite first material web 4 for thepurposes of diverting the latter.

The store carriage 42 is arranged in the region of an upper end of thebase frame carrier 13 which is averted from the base frame carrier 13,and said store carriage is displaceable along a store carriage guide 43which extends parallel to the floor and above the guide 24 in the baseframe carrier 13. The store carriage guide 43 defines a displacementpath for the store carriage 42 and extends substantially along theentire base frame carrier 13. The store carriage 42 is displaceablebetween a first end position and a second end position in oppositedisplacement directions. In the first end position, the store carriage42 is arranged adjacent to a material web exit 44, whereas, in thesecond end position, the store carriage 42 is situated spaced apart orremote from the material web exit 44. In FIG. 1 , the store carriage 42is arranged adjacent to the material web exit 44.

For the diversion of the endless material web 3 or of the finite firstmaterial web 4, a second diverting drum 45 is mounted rotatably on thebase frame carrier 13 in the region of the material web exit 44, abovethe store carriage guide 43. The second diverting drum 45 is arrangeddownstream of the first diverting drum 41 in relation to the transportdirection 37.

Arranged downstream of the second diverting drum 45 in relation to thetransport direction 37 for the purposes of diverting the endlessmaterial web 3 or the finite first material web 4 is a third divertingdrum 46, which is mounted rotatably on the store carriage 42 and whichis arranged adjacent to the first diverting drum 41.

For the diversion of the endless material web 3 or of the finite firstmaterial web 4, a fourth diverting drum 47 is mounted rotatably on thebase frame carrier 13 in the region of the material web exit 44, at thelevel of the store carriage guide 43. The fourth diverting drum 47 isarranged downstream of the third diverting drum 46 in relation to thetransport direction 37.

Arranged downstream of the fourth diverting drum 47 in relation to thetransport direction 37 for the purposes of diverting the endlessmaterial web 3 or the finite first material web 4 is a fifth divertingdrum 48, which is mounted on the store carriage 42. The third divertingdrum 46 is arranged between the first diverting drum 41 and the fifthdiverting drum 48.

The rotary axles of the diverting drums 41, 45, 46, 47, 48 run parallelto one another and lie in a common horizontal plane. They extendperpendicular to the transport direction 37.

The store carriage 42 is displaceable along the store carriage guide 43owing to a change in the web tension of the endless material web 3.Alternatively or in addition, the store carriage 42 is displaceable bymeans of a store carriage adjustment drive.

The material web splicing arrangement 1 has a material web drawing-inslotted guide 49 for guiding the finite first material web 4, the finitesecond material web 7 and/or the endless material web 3 during adrawing-in process.

In the case of a complete drawing-in process, the slotted guide 49extends from a material web entrance of the material web splicingarrangement 1, or from the first material roll 5 and the second materialroll 8 respectively, without interruption or substantially as far as thematerial web exit 44, or beyond the latter. Alternatively, said slottedguide then for example has at least one interruption between thematerial web entrance, the first material roll 5 and the second materialroll 8 respectively, and the material web exit 44.

The slotted guide 49 has an entrance-side first guide apparatus 50 whichis arranged fixedly on the base frame carrier 13 and which is assignedto the first holding arm 14 or to the first material roll 5. Theentrance-side first guide apparatus 50 comprises an entrance-sidestraight or substantially straight first guide device 51 and anentrance-side substantially straight second guide device 52. Theentrance-side first guide device 51 and the entrance-side second guidedevice 52 run substantially obliquely with respect to one another. Theyare immovable relative to one another.

The entrance-side first guide device 51 has, adjacent to the firstmaterial roll 5, a free first drawing-in entrance 53, which is avertedfrom the base frame carrier 13. The entrance-side second guide device 52has, adjacent to the first material roll 5, a free second drawing-inentrance 54, which is averted from the base frame carrier 13 and whichis arranged spaced apart from the first drawing-in entrance 53. Thefirst drawing-in entrance 53 and the second drawing-in entrance 54 are,in a circumferential direction around the first material roll 5,arranged adjacent to the first material roll 5 during a drawing-inprocess.

The entrance-side first guide device 51 and the entrance-side secondguide device 52 run towards one another proceeding from their respectivedrawing-in entrance 53 or 54 in the direction of the base frame carrier13, and converge at a first merging point 55 of the slotted guide 49.The entrance-side first guide apparatus 50 is substantially V-shaped.

Downstream of the first merging point 55 in relation to a drawing-indirection or the transport direction 37 of the material web 3, 4 to bedrawn in, the entrance-side first guide apparatus 50 has a common firstexit 56, which is arranged below the guide 24 and which faces towardsthe guide 24 or is oriented vertically upward. The first exit 56 isarranged adjacent to the first feed drum 16.

The slotted guide 49 furthermore comprises a first guide arc device 57which is arranged at the first preparation device 19 or at the carriagethereof and the entrance 58 of which faces downwards or faces towardsthe first material roll 5. The first guide arc device 57 runs around thefirst transport drum 27, adjacently above or adjacently laterally abovethe latter, in substantially semicircular fashion and has, at an exitside, a first reversal region 57 a which, above the guide 24 or at anupper region thereof, has an upwardly open first exit end 59.

Arranged above the guide 24, on the base frame carrier 13, is asubstantially rectilinear first guide device 60 of the slotted guide 49.The substantially rectilinear first guide device 60 extends adjacent tothe guide 24 and runs substantially from the level of the first feeddrum support arm downwards as far as the first pressing drum 33.Upstream, the substantially rectilinear first guide device 60 has adownwardly open first connection 61.

The substantially rectilinear first guide device 60 is adjoined,oppositely in relation to the first connection 61, by an obliquelyrunning first guide device 62 of the slotted guide 49. The obliquelyrunning first guide device 62 extends from the first pressing drum 33obliquely from bottom to top in the transport direction 37 in thedirection of the second pressing drum 36 and obliquely relative to theguide 24. Said first guide device ends at the top adjacent to the secondpressing drum 36.

The slotted guide 49 furthermore has an entrance-side second guideapparatus 63, which is of substantially identical design to theentrance-side first guide apparatus 50 and which is arranged fixedly onthe base frame carrier 13. The entrance-side second guide apparatus 63is assigned to the second support arm 15 or to the second material roll8. Said entrance-side second guide apparatus comprises an entrance-sidesubstantially straight first guide device 64 and an entrance-sidesubstantially straight second guide device 65. The entrance-side firstguide device 64 and entrance-side second guide device 65 of theentrance-side second guide apparatus 63 run substantially obliquely withrespect to one another. They are immovable relative to one another.

The entrance-side first guide device 64 has, adjacent to the secondmaterial roll 8, a free first drawing-in entrance 66, which is avertedfrom the base frame carrier 13. The entrance-side second guide device 65has, adjacent to the second material roll 8, a free second drawing-inentrance 67, which is averted from the base frame carrier 13 and whichis arranged spaced apart from the first drawing-in entrance 66. Thefirst drawing-in entrance 66 and the second drawing-in entrance 67 are,in a circumferential direction around the second material roll 8,arranged adjacent to the second material roll 8 during a drawing-inprocess.

The one entrance-side first guide device 64 and the entrance-side secondguide device 65 run towards one another proceeding from their respectivedrawing-in entrance 66 or 67 in the direction of the base frame carrier13, and converge at a second merging point 68 of the slotted guide 49.The entrance-side second guide apparatus 63 is substantially V-shaped.

Downstream of the second merging point 68 in relation to a drawing-indirection or the transport direction 37 of the material web 3, 7 to bedrawn in, the entrance-side second guide apparatus 63 has a commonsecond exit 69, which is arranged below the guide 24 and which facestowards the guide 24 or is oriented vertically upward. The second exit69 is arranged adjacent to the second feed drum 18.

The slotted guide 49 furthermore comprises a second guide arc device 70which is arranged at the second preparation device 20 or at the carriagethereof and the second entrance of which faces downwards or facestowards the second material roll 8. The second guide arc device 70 runsaround the second transport drum 28, adjacently above or adjacentlylaterally above the latter, in substantially semicircular fashion andhas, at an exit side, a second reversal region 71 which, above the guide24 or at an upper region thereof, has an upwardly open second exit end72. The second guide arc device 70 is of symmetrical design in relationto the first guide arc device 57 with respect to a vertical plane ofsymmetry.

Arranged above the guide 24, on the base frame carrier 13, is asubstantially rectilinear second guide device 73 of the slotted guide49. The substantially rectilinear second guide device 73 extendsadjacent to the guide 24 and runs substantially from the level of thesecond feed drum support arm downwards as far as the second pressingdrum 36. Upstream, the substantially rectilinear second guide device 73has a downwardly open second connection 74.

The substantially rectilinear second guide device 73 is adjoined,oppositely in relation to the second connection 74, by a substantiallysemicircular-arc-shaped second guide device 75 of the slotted guide 49.The substantially semicircular-arc-shaped second guide device 73 extendsadjacent, or laterally adjacent, to the second pressing drum 36 on theside facing towards the first pressing drum 33.

The obliquely running first guide device 62 and the substantiallysemicircular-arc-shaped second guide device 75 run towards one anotherand merge at a third merging point 76 at the top adjacent, or laterally,with respect to the second pressing drum 36.

The third merging point 76 is adjoined, downstream, by an exit-sideguide device 77, which runs just to the threading-in assistancearrangement 38 and which extends adjacently from above or laterallyadjacently with respect to a conveying gap formed between the conveyingdrums 39, 40. The exit-side guide device 77 extends there adjacently orlaterally adjacently with respect to the conveying drums 39, 40. Saidexit-side guide device extends substantially in the manner of aquadrant-shaped arc around the first conveying drum 39, or laterallyadjacently with respect thereto, and substantially in the manner of asemicircular arc around the second conveying drum 40, or laterallyadjacently with respect thereto.

The exit-side guide device 77 furthermore extends adjacently, orlaterally adjacently, around the first diverting drum 41 on the storecarriage 42.

The exit-side guide device 77 furthermore extends adjacently, orlaterally adjacently, in substantially semicircular-arc-shaped fashionaround the spatially fixed second diverting drum 45.

The exit-side guide device 77 extends in the manner of acircular-segment-shaped arc adjacently or laterally adjacently aroundthe third diverting drum 46 on the store carriage 42.

The exit-side guide device 77 extends, substantially in the shape of anarc covering three-quarters of a circle, adjacently or laterallyadjacently around the spatially fixed fourth diverting drum 47.

The exit-side guide device 77 extends, substantially in the shape of anarc covering three-quarters of a circle, adjacently or laterallyadjacently around the fifth diverting drum 48 on the store carriage 42.

The exit-side guide device 77 runs out of the material web splicingarrangement 1 beyond the material web exit 44.

Each guide device 51, 52, 57, 60, 62, 64, 65, 70, 73, 75, 77 comprisesguide elements which are situated opposite one another and which arearranged in pairs and which are correspondingly identically shaped andof rail-like or slotted-guide-like form. The guide elements are arrangedin each case adjacently laterally, or adjacently laterally at theoutside, with respect to the material web 3, 4, 7 to be drawn in. Saidguide elements are preferably arranged spaced apart, in the transversedirection of the material web 3, 4, 7, from the material web 3, 4, 7 tobe drawn in, or from the longitudinal edge thereof. The guide elementsare open towards the material web 3, 4, 7 to be drawn in, and are forexample U-shaped in cross section.

The material web splicing arrangement 1 comprises at least one materialweb clamping device 78 for holding the material web 3, 4, 7 to be drawnin with clamping action (FIGS. 11 to 14 ).

The material web clamping device 78 has a profile-like rigid transversemember 79, which extends in the transverse direction of the material web3, 4, 7 to be drawn in and which, in the transverse direction of thematerial web 3, 4, 7 to be drawn in, protrudes laterally in relationthereto. The transverse member 79 engages into mutually oppositelysituated guide elements and is thus guided displaceably perpendicularlywith respect to its extent. The transverse member 79 is displaceablealong the slotted guide 49 and is thus capable of performingtranslational and/or arcuate movements or the like in a manner dependenton its position. Said transverse member extends perpendicularly betweenthe mutually oppositely situated guide elements.

The transverse member 79 has a material web receiving opening 80 whichis open oppositely to the drawing-in direction or transport direction37. Said transverse member is substantially U-shaped. The transversemember 79 has a base 81, which is situated opposite the material webreceiving opening 80, and a holding bar 82, which projects from the base81, and an outer bar 83, which projects from the base 81. The holdingbar 82 and outer bar 83 run so as to be parallel to and spaced apartfrom one another.

During a drawing-in process, the holding bar 82 interacts with thematerial web 3, 4, 7 to be drawn in, whereas the outer bar 83 isarranged spaced apart from said material web to be drawn in.

The transverse member 79 serves for the mounting of a clamping beam 84which is arranged between the holding bar 82 and the outer bar 83 andwhich is pivotable relative thereto. The clamping beam 84, proceedingfrom the base 81, protrudes preferably beyond the holding bar 82 and theouter bar 83.

Adjacent to the first and second drawing-in entrance 53 and 54 of theentrance-side first guide apparatus 50, and adjacent to the first andsecond drawing-in entrance 66 and 67 of the entrance-side second guideapparatus 63, there is preferably arranged, at the mutually oppositeguide elements, in each case one activation device 85 which comprises anelectrical pulse receiver 86. The activation device 85 is assigned tothe clamping beam 84. The pulse receiver 86 is connected to the clampingbeam 84 and is capable of pivoting the latter.

On the base 81, opposite the clamping beam 84, there are arranged twocoupling chains 87. The coupling chains 87 run in the mutuallyoppositely situated guide elements of the guide devices 51, 52, 57, 60,62, 64, 65, 70, 73, 75, 77 and are displaceable by motor means. Theslotted guide 49, the material web clamping device 78 and the couplingchains 87 together with the displacement drive(s) thereof are aconstituent part of a material web drawing-in apparatus.

The operation of the material web splicing arrangement 1 will bedescribed by way of example below. Here, FIG. 1 is taken as a startingpoint. In FIG. 1 , the finite first material web 4 is being unrolledfrom the first material roll 5 and thus conveyed. Said finite firstmaterial web has been drawn into the material web splicing arrangement 1by means of the material web drawing-in apparatus, with the finite firstmaterial web 4 being unrolled from the first material roll 5, as will bedescribed in more detail below.

The finite first material web 4 is guided over the first feed drum 16,where the finite first material web 4 is diverted, to the cutting andconnecting apparatus 17. Said finite first material web is led throughbetween the mutually spaced-apart pressing drums 33, 36, and liescircumferentially against these in regions.

Downstream of the cutting and connecting apparatus 17, the finite firstmaterial web 4 or the endless material web 3 is introduced from aboveinto the threading-in assistant arrangement 38 and loops around the twoconveying drums 39, 40 thereof, wherein said material web lies againstthe conveying drums 39, 40. The threading-in assistance arrangement 38expediently assists the transport of the finite first material web 4 orof the endless material web 3 and is correspondingly driven.

Subsequently, the finite first material web 4 or the endless materialweb 3 is guided around the first diverting drum 41 on the store carriage42. Subsequently, the finite first material web 4 or the endlessmaterial web 3 is guided around the spatially fixed second divertingdrum 45. Subsequently, the finite first material web 4 or the endlessmaterial web 3 is guided around the third diverting drum 46 on the storecarriage 42. Subsequently, the finite first material web 4 or theendless material web 3 is guided around the spatially fixed fourthdiverting drum 47. Subsequently, the finite first material web 4 or theendless material web 3 is guided around the fifth diverting drum 48 onthe store carriage 42. Subsequently, the finite first material web 4 orthe endless material web 3 exits the material web splicing arrangement 1via the material web exit 44.

The finite first material web 4 or the endless material web 3 extends,for the most part, adjacent to the slotted guide 49.

Here, the store carriage 42 is arranged adjacent to the material webexit 44. The first negative-pressure drum 25 is arranged spaced apartfrom the first transport drum 27. The table device 23 is situatedadjacent to the connecting devices 21, 22. Said table device is arrangedspaced apart from the preparation devices 19, 20.

The cutting and connecting device 17 is in its inactive state. In thisstate, the finite first material web 4 or the endless material web 3 ismerely guided through the cutting and connecting device 17.

In FIG. 1 , the finite second material web 7 has been drawn into thematerial web splicing arrangement 1 by means of the material webdrawing-in apparatus, with the finite second material web 7 beingunrolled from the second material roll 8. The material web splicingarrangement 1 has received the second material roll 8 and also the firstmaterial roll 5 after orientation in their circumferential direction inan exact defined initial situation by means of the material rollpreparation arrangement 2.

For the drawing-in of the finite second material web 7, the clampingbeam 84 is situated in its clamping position and has been pivoted in thedirection of the material web holding bar 82 so as to clamp the finitesecond material web 7. The finite second material web 7 to be drawn inis thus arranged, and held with clamping action, between the holding bar82 and the clamping beam 84. Said material web extends through thematerial web receiving opening 80. The coupling chains 87 are drawn insynchronously by motor means, such that the transverse member 79together with the fixed finite second material web 7 is pulled along theslotted guide 49 as far as the second preparation device 20. Thetransverse member 79 is pulled around the transport drum 28 such that itfaces towards the second negative-pressure drum 26. The finite secondmaterial web 7 enters the slotted guide 49 via the free seconddrawing-in entrance 67 owing to the unwinding direction of the secondmaterial roll 8.

The second exit 69 of the entrance-side second guide apparatus 63 andthe second entrance of the second guide arc device 70 are arrangedadjacent to one another such that the finite second material web 7 is,during the drawing-in process, capable of passing from the entrance-sidesecond guide apparatus 63 into the second guide arc device 70. Thesecond exit end 72 of the second guide arc device 70 and the secondconnection 74 of the substantially rectilinear second guide device 73are arranged adjacent to one another, such that the finite secondmaterial web 7 is, during the drawing-in process, capable of passingfrom the second guide arc device 70 into the substantially rectilinearsecond guide device 73. The second preparation device 20 together withthe second guide arc device 70 have, for this purpose, beencorrespondingly displaced along the guide 24.

As shown in FIG. 2 , for a splicing process, the table device 23subsequently travels along the guide 24 to the second preparation device20. When the second preparation device 20 and the table device 23 havebeen arranged adjacent to one another, the threaded-in finite secondmaterial web 7 is held with clamping action between the secondpreparation device 20 and the table device 23. In particular, the finitesecond material web 7 is held between the second transport drum 28 and aholding element 88 of the table device 23, with deformation of saidmaterial web. The table device 23 and the second preparation device 20assume a holding position.

Subsequently, the table device 23 travels along the guide 24 to thesecond preparation device 20. The table device 23 and the secondpreparation device 20 together with second guide arc device 70 traveljointly along the guide 24 in the direction of the secondnegative-pressure drum 26, which in turn travels in the direction of thesecond preparation device 20. When the second transport drum 28 and thesecond negative-pressure drum 26 have been arranged adjacent to oneanother, the second exit 69 of the entrance-side second guide apparatus63 and the second entrance of the second guide arc device 70 have beenarranged so as to be separate from one another or spaced apart from oneanother. The second exit end 72 of the second guide arc device 70 andthe second connection 74 of the substantially rectilinear second guidedevice 73 have been arranged so as to be separate from one another orspaced apart from one another (FIG. 3 ).

The second transport drum 28 and the second negative-pressure drum 26are then driven in rotation in opposite directions such that the finitesecond material web 7 is conveyed back counter to its actual drawing-indirection, and a splicing piece 89 which is arranged at the end on thefinite second material web 7 and which is adhesive on both sides arrivesbetween a gap formed by the second transport drum 28 and the secondnegative-pressure drum 26. The splicing piece 89 is in adhesiveconnection, by means of an inner adhesive surface, with the finitesecond material web 7. Here, the splicing piece 89 faces with itsdetachable non-adhesive release liner 90 towards the secondnegative-pressure drum 26 and lies with the release liner 90 againstsaid second negative-pressure drum. The second negative-pressure drum 26is active and thus, by means of its generated negative pressure,suctions the release liner 90 of the splicing piece 89 and thus removessaid release liner from the splicing piece 89 itself, so as to expose anouter adhesive surface, situated opposite the inner adhesive surface, ofthe splicing piece 89. The second transport drum 28 and secondnegative-pressure drum 26 are constituent parts of a release linerremoval apparatus.

The second preparation device 20 and the table device 23 then travel inthe coupled state along the guide 24 in the direction of the firstpreparation device 19 or to the first connecting device 21, wherein thefinite second material web 7 is held with clamping action between thetable device 23 and the second transport drum 28. The second preparationdevice 20 and the table device 23 move away from the secondnegative-pressure drum 26 (FIG. 5 ). The second transport drum 28 isblocked in terms of its rotation.

The second transport drum 28 is then released again in terms of itsrotation. In particular, as a result of the displacement of the tabledevice 23 and of the second transport drum 28 as a unit, the secondtransport drum 28 is pivoted such that the splicing piece 89 passes intoan upwardly facing splicing position.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the second transport drum 28 is moved underthe first connecting device 21 such that the splicing piece 89 facestowards the first connecting device 21. The endless material web 3 orfinite first material web 4 is, by means of displacement of the firstpressing drum 33 of the first connecting device 21, pressed against theadhesive splicing piece 89, which faces towards the first pressing drum33. This results in an adhesive connection of the endless material web 3or finite first material web 4 to the finite second material web 7. Thefeed of the finite first material web 4 to the endless material web 3 isstopped. By means of the first cutting blade 32, the finite firstmaterial web 4 is severed from the endless material web 3.

As a result of displacement of the store carriage 42 away from thematerial web exit 44, the loops formed by the endless material web 3 areeliminated, in order that the endless material web 3 furthermore remainswithout interruption or is conveyed without interruption.

In FIG. 8 , it is now the case that the finite second material web 7 isbeing unrolled from the second material roll 8. The first material roll5 is now prepared for the later unrolling thereof, analogously to thedescription above. The drawing-in of the finite first material web 4into the material web splicing arrangement 1 takes place substantiallyanalogously by means of the material web drawing-in apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 9 , for a splicing process substantially analogous tothe description above, a splicing piece 89 arranged on the finite firstmaterial web 4 is adhesively connected to the endless material web 3 orfinite second material web 7, such that the finite first material web 4is adhesively connected to the endless material web 3. The feed of thefinite second material web 7 is then stopped.

The first exit 56 of the entrance-side first guide apparatus 50 and thefirst entrance 58 of the first guide arc device 57 has been arrangedadjacent to one another, such that the finite first material web 4 is,during the drawing-in process, capable of passing from the entrance-sidefirst guide apparatus 50 into the first guide arc device 57. The firstexit end 59 of the first guide arc device 57 and the first connection 61of the substantially rectilinear first guide device 60 have beenarranged adjacent to one another, such that the finite first materialweb 7 is, during the drawing-in process, capable of passing from thefirst guide arc device 57 into the substantially rectilinear first guidedevice 60. The first preparation device 20 together with the first guidearc device 57 have, for this purpose, been correspondingly displacedalong the guide 24.

If the material web splicing arrangement 1 is already in operation and amaterial web 3, 4 is being unrolled or conveyed, the new finite materialweb 4 or 7 is, as described, guided by means of the material webdrawing-in apparatus only as far as the respective transport drum 27 or28.

By contrast, if no material web is yet situated in the material websplicing arrangement 1, the respective finite material web 4 or 7 can,by means of the material web drawing-in apparatus, be drawn fully intothe material web splicing arrangement 1 as far as the material web exit44 thereof or as far as an adjacently arranged production arrangement orapparatus.

The first exit 56 of the entrance-side first guide apparatus 50 and thefirst entrance 58 of the first guide arc device 57 have then beenarranged adjacent to one another such that the finite first material web4 is, during the drawing-in process, capable of passing from theentrance-side first guide apparatus 50 into the first guide arc device57. The first exit end 59 of the first guide arc device 57 and the firstconnection 61 of the substantially rectilinear first guide device 60have been arranged adjacent to one another, such that the finite firstmaterial web 7 is, during the drawing-in process, capable of passingfrom the first guide arc device 57 into the substantially rectilinearfirst guide device 60. The first preparation device 20 together with thefirst guide arc device 57 have, for this purpose, been correspondinglydisplaced along the guide 24. Alternatively, the second exit 69 of theentrance-side second guide apparatus 63 and the second entrance of thesecond guide arc device 70 are arranged adjacent to one another, suchthat the finite second material web 7 is, during the drawing-in process,capable of passing from the entrance-side second guide apparatus 63 intothe second guide arc device 70. The second exit end 72 of the secondguide arc device 70 and the second connection 74 of the substantiallyrectilinear second guide device 73 have been arranged adjacent to oneanother, such that the finite second material web 7 is, during thedrawing-in process, capable of passing from the second guide arc device70 into the substantially rectilinear second guide device 73. The secondpreparation device 20 together with the second guide arc device 70 have,for this purpose, been correspondingly displaced along the guide 24.

The coupling chains 87 are drawn in synchronously by motor means, suchthat the transverse member 79 together with the fixed finite secondmaterial web 7 is pulled along the slotted guide 49 as far as thematerial web exit 44 or beyond the latter.

The material web clamping device 78 is displaced preferably in automatedfashion or by motor means into its initial position for receiving therespective finite material web 4 or 7. To receive the respective finitematerial web 4 or 7, the holding bar 82 engages under the respectivefinite material web 4 or 7. For this purpose, a free portion, which isto be received, of the respective finite material web 4 or 7 has beenarranged spaced apart from material web portions, arranged therebelow,of the respective material roll 5 or 8. The material web 4, 7 extendsthrough the material web receiving opening 80.

When a correct position of the transverse member 79 in relation to thefinite material web 4, 7 or the end thereof is attained, the materialweb detection element outputs a corresponding electrical triggeringsignal which effects a, preferably motor-driven, displacement of theclamping beam 84 into its clamping position. The correct position of thetransverse member 79 in relation to the finite material web 4, 7 or theend thereof is preferably attainable because the material web splicingarrangement 1 receives the material roll 5, 8 in an oriented or exactlydefined initial situation, and thus already knows where the end of therespective material web 4, 7 is situated on the material roll 5, 8.Subsequently, the transverse member 79 is displaced into its desiredposition by means of the coupling chains 87, with the respective finitematerial web 4 or 7 being drawn in. Fully automated receiving of thematerial roll 5, 8 is possible. Fully automated drawing-in of thematerial web 4, 7 is likewise possible.

The activation or actuation of the individual units, such as preparationdevices 19, 20, connecting devices 21, 22, material web drawing-inapparatus and/or release liner removal apparatus, is performedpreferably by means of at least one corresponding electrical orelectronic actuation or control unit.

The endless material web 3 is fed together with a further endlessmaterial web to a corrugated cardboard production apparatus for thepurposes of producing a corrugated cardboard web which is laminated onone side. To generate a corrugated web, which has a corrugation, fromone of the endless material webs, said corrugated cardboard productionapparatus has a corrugated device with drums. For the connection of thecorrugated web to a smooth web composed of the other endless materialweb, the corrugated cardboard production apparatus has a glueapplication device which applies glue to tips of the corrugation of thecorrugated web. To press the smooth web against the corrugated web thathas been provided with glue, the corrugated cardboard productionapparatus has a pressing module, wherein the corrugated cardboard weblaminated on one side is formed from the corrugated web and the smoothweb. A reversed use of the material webs is alternatively possible.

A second embodiment of the material web holding device will be describedbelow with reference to FIGS. 15 to 18 . Identical parts are denoted bythe same reference designations as in the embodiment above, to thedescription of which reference is hereby explicitly made. Parts whichdiffer in terms of construction but which are of identical function aredenoted by the same reference designations with the suffix “a”.

By contrast to the preceding embodiment, the material web holding deviceis in this case designed not as a material web clamping device 78 but asa material web suctioning device 78 a. The material web suctioningdevice 78 a has a transverse member 79 a which substantially encloses aninterior space and which is designed for example as a rectangularprofile body. In the transverse member 79 a, there are formed mutuallyoppositely situated flow openings 91.

The transverse member 79 a is connected in terms of flow to a suctionsource 92. In the active state of the suction source 92, the materialweb 4, 7 to be drawn in is suctioned onto the transverse member 79 a andlies firmly against the latter in the region of the flow openings 91,which are adjacent to the material web 4, 7 to be drawn in.

The function of the material web suctioning device 78 a or of thecorresponding material web drawing-in apparatus is substantiallyanalogous to that in the case of the material web clamping device 78.

The expressions “upstream”, “downstream”, “entrance-side”, “exit-side”or the like used here relate in particular to a conveying direction ofan associated material web.

What is claimed is:
 1. A release liner removal apparatus, comprising: atleast one release liner removal device for removing at least one releaseliner from at least one adhesive piece arranged on a material web,wherein the at least one release liner removal device is designed as anegative-pressure body; at least one support body which supports the atleast one release liner removal device; and at least one guide bodywhich is arranged adjacent to the at least one release liner removaldevice at least during the removal of the at least one release liner andwhich serves for guiding the material web.
 2. The release liner removalapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one release linerremoval device and the at least one guide body are displaceable relativeto one another between a mutually adjacent release liner removalposition, for removing the at least one release liner from the at leastone adhesive piece, and an inactive rest position.
 3. The release linerremoval apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the negative-pressurebody is displaceable.
 4. The release liner removal apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the at least one guide body is designed as anegative-pressure body.
 5. The release liner removal apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the at least one guide body is displaceable.
 6. Amaterial web working/processing arrangement, comprising: at least onerelease liner removal apparatus, comprising: at least one release linerremoval device for removing at least one release liner from at least oneadhesive piece arranged on a material web, wherein the at least onerelease liner removal device is designed as a negative-pressure body; atleast one support body which supports the at least one release linerremoval device; and at least one guide body which is arranged adjacentto the at least one release liner removal device at least during theremoval of the at least one release liner and which serves for guidingthe material web.
 7. The material web working/processing arrangementaccording to claim 6, wherein it is designed as a material web unrollingarrangement.
 8. The material web working/processing arrangementaccording to claim 6, wherein at least one guide for guiding at leastone material web holding device from at least one material webdrawing-in point to at least one material web transfer point for thepreparation of a material web to be worked/processed runs at leastbetween the at least one material web drawing-in point and a preparationdevice of the material web working/processing arrangement.
 9. Thematerial web working/processing arrangement according to claim 8,wherein the material web is guidable to the preparation device.
 10. Thematerial web working/processing arrangement according to claim 9,wherein the preparation device is capable of receiving the material webfor further processing.
 11. A plant comprising: at least one materialweb working/processing arrangement according to claim 6; and at leastone material roll preparation arrangement for preparing a material rollcarrying the material web to be drawn in.
 12. The plant according toclaim 11, wherein the at least one material web working/processingarrangement is designed as a material web unrolling arrangement.
 13. Theplant according to claim 11, wherein the at least one material rollpreparation arrangement has at least one material roll circumferentialdirection orientation apparatus for orienting the material roll in acircumferential direction thereof.
 14. The plant according to claim 13,wherein the at least one material web working/processing arrangementreceives the material roll in a position oriented by means of the atleast one material roll circumferential direction orientation apparatus.15. The plant according to claim 13, wherein the at least one materialweb working/processing arrangement receives the material roll in aposition oriented by means of the at least one material rollcircumferential direction orientation apparatus for a defined initialsituation.
 16. The plant according to claim 11, wherein the at least onematerial roll preparation arrangement has at least one material rollcircumferential direction orientation apparatus for orienting thematerial roll into a defined initial situation.
 17. The plant accordingto claim 11, wherein the at least one material web working/processingarrangement is capable of receiving the material roll in automatedfashion.
 18. A plant comprising: at least one material roll preparationarrangement for bringing a material carrying a material web to be drawnin into a defined initial situation, and at least one material webworking/processing arrangement according to claim 6, which is capable,owing to the defined initial situation of the material roll, of at leastone of receiving the material roll in automated fashion and receivingthe material web in automated fashion and preparing the material web inautomated fashion.
 19. The plant according to claim 18, wherein the atleast one material web working/processing arrangement is designed as amaterial web unrolling arrangement.
 20. A method for removing at leastone release liner, the method comprising; removing at least one releaseliner from at least one adhesive piece arranged on a material web bymeans of at least one release liner removal device which is supported byat least one support body; and guiding the material web by means of atleast one guide body which is arranged adjacent to the at least onerelease liner removal device at least during the removal of the at leastone release liner, wherein, for a removal of the at least one releaseliner, a negative-pressure drum that forms a release liner removaldevice and a transport drum that forms a guide body are arrangedadjacent to one another.
 21. The method according to claim 20, wherein,for a removal of the at least one release liner, the negative-pressuredrum and the transport drum are driven in opposite directions such thatthe material web is conveyed back counter to its actual drawing-indirection, and the at least one adhesive piece arranged at an end on thematerial web arrives between a gap formed by the negative-pressure drumand the transport drum.
 22. The method according to claim 21, wherein,for a removal of the at least one release liner, the at least oneadhesive piece, in the gap, faces with its at least one release towardsthe negative-pressure drum.
 23. The method according to claim 22,wherein, for a removal of the at least one release liner, thenegative-pressure drum is active and, by means of its generated negativepressure, suctions the at least one release liner and thus removes saidrelease liner from the at least one adhesive piece so as to expose anouter adhesive surface, situated opposite an inner adhesive surface, ofthe at least one adhesive piece.
 24. A material web working/processingarrangement, comprising: at least one release liner removal apparatuscomprising at least one release liner removal device for removing atleast one release liner from at least one adhesive piece arranged on amaterial web, said at least one release liner removal device beingconfigured as a negative-pressure body, wherein said material webworking/processing arrangement is designed such that a connectionbetween one finite material web and a further finite material web so asto form a continuous material web is preparable in automated fashionowing to a defined initial situation of the material web to be drawn inor of an end thereof.
 25. The material web working/processingarrangement according to claim 24, wherein it is designed as a materialweb unrolling arrangement.
 26. A release liner removal apparatus,comprising: at least one release liner removal device for removing atleast one release liner from at least one adhesive piece arranged on amaterial; at least one support body which supports the at least onerelease liner removal device; and at least one guide body which isarranged adjacent to the at least one release liner removal device atleast during the removal of the at least one release liner and whichserves for guiding the material web, wherein the at least one guide bodyis designed as a negative-pressure body.